From April 15 through April 19, Parkdale High School introduced an Autism Spirit week to bring awareness to the acceptance of autism and the influence autism has at Parkdale.
Autism was not recognized as a recognized developmental disorder until the 1940s. Individuals with autism go through many challenges throughout their life. According to a report done by Autism Tasmania they state the following:
Anxiety may manifest in an autistic person through:
- social phobia
- excessive worry/rumination
- obsessive compulsive behavior
- hyper-vigilance, or seeming “shell shocked”
- phobias
- avoidance behaviors
- rigid routines and resistance to change
- stimming and/or self-injurious behavior
- controlling behaviors – oppositional defiance
- meltdowns
- shut down
Autism Awareness month was founded in April, 1970 by Bernard Rimland, autism researcher and psychologist. He specifically chose April as Autism Awareness month to connect with his son’s birthday, as well as a way to express the start of new beginnings.
Parkdale has always participated in many different activities and spirit weeks but never one related to Autism Awareness month. When this new event was brought up to Mrs. Cotina Murray, Autism Program Lead/Case Manager for special education, she voiced “Everyone is able to participate, the purpose of this spirit week is to make students more aware that there is an autism program at Parkdale.”
Some may even still be confused to why certain days were categorized the way they were, Mrs. Murray explained “Magnificent Mind Monday is to represent individuals with autism minds. Tie Dye Tuesday is to honor the spectrum behind autism. Wacky Wednesday is to showcase how no one with autism is the same and they make up one family to grow together.” She continues stating, “Thursday dress as your favorite superhero is to showcase everyone with autism is super gifted/talented, and finally Electric Blue Friday is to represent the signature color of Autism Blue.”
This was the first time Parkdale had switched the motive of spirit week for students. Senior Prince Ohanele, voiced, “I don’t think Parkdale did the right thing, with the alternative spirit week. ” He continued stating, “I understand that Parkdale wanted to pay homage to our special needs students but we can do that without having to revolve a spirit week to them, we can celebrate them throughout the month of April. Do Better Parkdale Staff!”
“It was disappointing because it was just focused on dressing up, the themes weren’t even good,” senior Shihab Rahman explained “No one was participating in the Autism Spirit week and wasn’t as exciting and engaging since no one was participating.”
Many have different views on the spirit week but fail to realize Parkdale’s motive in joining the movement in spreading awareness, “In recent years, Autism Awareness Month has become an international event. More countries are joining the cause to raise autism awareness and increase the acceptance of individuals with ASDs. This is a powerful step forward in creating a brighter future for children living with autism worldwide.” said The Deron School of New Jersey.
Autism is a spectrum and affects many at a young age, “There has been tremendous progress in identifying autism in individuals earlier, creating the possibility for children with autism to receive the services and support as early as possible. While the average age of diagnosis is 6 years old,” Acorn Heath expressed.
Autism Awareness month is celebrated by many across the world whether affected or not, Murray expressed, “Autism is a spectrum, we need people with autism to feel included, respected and understood, this was the motive behind the spirit week that occurred from April 15 through April 19.”
